Smaller ships, carefully curated itineraries and an eye for every detail! Why THIS is the future of cruising (and the 5 journeys that should be on every traveller’s wish list!)

Imagine combining a cruise to see the Northern Lights with a colourful celebration of indigenous Sami communities. Or immersing yourself in the vibrant colours of a Canadian fall, before enjoying the crystal-clear waters and glorious beaches of Bermuda and São Miguel, while on a voyage across America’s waterways. 

When you set sail with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, each journey is an exploration, carefully crafted to include destinations that go beyond the usual tourist trails, meaning guests are able to truly absorb the culture of each country. 

This family-run cruise line with Norwegian roots has smaller ships so can visit the most interesting places around the world — spots larger vessels just can’t reach. Think docking close to the heart of beautiful cities and navigating narrow rivers, fjords and waterways. 

And if you want your time onboard to be as memorable as when you’re exploring on dry land, you’re in good hands. Fred. Olsen has won Cruise Critic’s Best for Itineraries Award multiple times, thanks to its commitment to creating journeys that take in the most scenic cruising routes and wildlife hotspots. 

Smaller ships also mean you’ll enjoy a warm welcome from the friendly crew as well as being able to meet like-minded travellers; just a couple of reasons Fred. Olsen has more returning guests than any other cruise line.*

With two new additions to their fleet and a host of exciting new cruise itineraries to choose from, now is the time to take to the high seas and start exploring the world again.

The new Fred. Olsen Borealis at sea

Sail in style 

Let us introduce you to Bolette and Borealis, the cruise line’s stunning new additions, which set sail on their first adventures with Fred. Olsen earlier this summer. 

Bolette was named after Fred. Olsen Junior’s great-great-grandmother, while the name Borealis was inspired by the family’s Norwegian heritage and thoughts of the Northern Lights. 

Both ships take less than 1,400 guests, ensuring there’s an intimate, friendly atmosphere without ever feeling overcrowded.  

And as well as personal, attentive service, you’ll discover plenty of unique experiences on board both Bolette and Borealis.

Head to the Auditorium for cooking demonstrations, enjoy fascinating enrichment talks from specialists and curl up after a day of adventure in the Bookmark Café or the Morning Light Pub. 

The rich mix of lounges and restaurants means you’ll always find a spot to enjoy sumptuous food and a refined atmosphere. And the attention to detail in every aspect of the onboard interiors is evident, with high quality fabrics and beautifully chosen soft furnishings throughout.

Indulge in an elegant afternoon tea aboard Borealis

Relax in the delightful Thermal Spa, Aroma Room and Hydro Pool, sink into a jacuzzi or head for a swim in the all-season pool. You can also enjoy evening performances, from fantastic comedy to live music and cabaret.

And, as you’d expect, both ships offer wonderful bars and restaurants. Savour the exquisite design of the Oriental Tea Room or take in the unmatched views in The Observatory, thanks to its panoramic windows. 

Five-course à la carte menus can be enjoyed at the two-tiered main restaurants, while Colours & Tastes offers Asian fusion and the Goan chefs in Vasco serve authentic flavours with spiced curries and grilled meats, and The View keeps things simple with relaxed dining throughout the day.

A world awaits

Fred. Olsen offers a great choice of outstanding cruise itineraries, taking in destinations all over the world.  

But which cruise will you choose? Here are the 5 journeys we think should be on your wish list…

1. Landscapes of the Canary Islands

Enjoy some winter sun with a cruise to the Canary Islands

Escape the pre-Christmas rush for the sun-soaked Canary Islands on this 14-night cruise that takes you from stark volcanic landscapes to lush gardens and golden beaches. 

You’ll have the unique chance to experience the Geminid Meteor Shower in Tenerife, as well as exploring national parks, laurel forests and colourful towns in Gran Canaria, as well as the lesser-known island La Gomera. You’ll even enjoy a stop-off on Portuguese Madeira as you return home.

Click HERE to find out more. 

2. In search of the Northern Lights

Marvel at the wonder of the Northern Lights on this 14-night cruise with Fred. Olsen

Arctic Norway beckons on this 14-night cruise where awe-inspiring nature meets a rich local culture. With overnight stays in both Tromsø and Alta, you’ll be visiting two of the best places on Earth to seek out the dancing aurora borealis. 

You’ll also coincide with Sami National Day, a unique celebration featuring parades, music and colourful national dress, and you can even try the local public transport with an exhilarating husky ride.

Click HERE to find out more. 

3. Classic Norwegian Fjords

Explore the stunning fjords and experience the thundering waterfalls of Norway on a Fred. Olsen cruise (Pictured: Voringfoss waterfall)

Spring in Norway brings lush greens and glassy waters as you sail the country’s most stunning fjords, experiencing thundering waterfalls and even trying sea kayaking on this nine-night cruise. 

Ride the famous Flambana Railway into the mountains and see the Fureberg Waterfall at its most powerful with a specially timed sailing to beautiful Maurangerfjord.

Click HERE to find out more. 

4. Corinth Canal & Ancient Greece

Discover ancient Greece on Braemar, the largest ship able to squeeze between the cliffs of the Corinth Canal

Braemar is the largest ship able to squeeze between the cliffs of the narrow Corinth Canal and can dock with a mile’s walk of most ports of call. 

On this 10-night sailing, you’ll visit ancient sites and picture-perfect towns on the stunning islands of Crete, Rhodes, Kefalonia and Syros, as well as visiting Ancient Olympia and Athens. Not to mention a stop at the historic Maltese capital, Valletta.

Click HERE to find out more. 

5. American waterways and Canada in the Fall

Soak up the colours of Fall on a 34-night cruise to America and Canada

The incredible colours of North America’s Fall are the backdrop to this 34-night cruise, taking you from Southampton to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in Canada. 

Next you’ll sail on to Portland, Maine, Boston, Cape Cod and New York City, where you’ll cruise the Hudson River and explore the Big Apple. 

It’s an unmissable blend of scenic beauty, bustling cities and seasonal splendour.

Click HERE to find out more.

What is The Olsen Way? 

In a world of bigger, busier ships, Fred. Olsen sails its own course, with a focus on quality and personal experiences

The Olsen Way is an approach to cruising based on five generations of seafaring. 

On a Fred. Olsen cruise, the cabins are called cabins and the ships look like ships, smaller is better and the experience on board is uncrowded, warm and civilised.

The Olsen Way means bringing together like-minded people who want to engage with the world around them. Passengers are treated as guests and are travellers more than tourists.

Then, of course, there’s the warm, personal welcome that can only come from a family-run company.

In a world of bigger, busier ships, Fred. Olsen sails its own course, with a focus on quality and personal experiences, hand-crafted itineraries and attention to detail. 

As they say in Norwegian: ‘I det beste selskap’ – in the best of company – and it’s a phrase that sums up every Fred. Olsen cruise. No wonder Fred. Olsen has more returning guests than any other cruise line.*

For more information or to book your cruise, visit fredolsencruises.com 

*Source: YouGov 2019